A’Ja Wilson and Disney Dreamers Academy attendees are all smiles before hopping on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disney World. / PHOTO COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY WORLD
You can’t be what you can’t see.
Acclaimed children’s rights activist Marian Wright Edelman helped coin this profound mantra and the organizers behind the Disney Dreamers Academy have taken serious heed to it. Now in its 19th year, the Disney Dreamers Academy (DDA) just wrapped up an exciting program at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Throughout the four-day program, students heard from impressive celebrities, business leaders and community figures who shared advice and encouraged the teens to unapologetically pursue their goals. Among the celebrities onsite supporting this year’s event was 7-time WNBA all-star, A’ja Wilson. The 29-year-old, Columbia, South Carolina native is a forward-center for the Las Vegas Aces and widely considered the best player in the WNBA. The University of South Carolina graduate was even named TIME’s 2025 Athlete of the Year. Wilson also holds an unprecedented four WNBA MVP awards, three league titles and two Olympic gold medals. In fact, she is the first player, in WNBA or NBA history, to win a championship, claim the scoring title, and be named Finals MVP, league MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. In short, A’ja Wilson is kind of a big deal.
So, imagine the sheer delight of the 100 Dreamers who were privileged to have Wilson join them during their Disney World stay! The excitement was palpable. There were 100 DDA participants, selected from thousands of nationwide applicants. And four of those participants were fortunate enough to hang out with the champion sans crowds and even ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure roller coaster in Magic Kingdom with Wilson. After the (wet) ride, Princess Tiana herself joined Wilson and the students for a little girl chat and photo time.
Las Vegas Aces basketball superstar A’ja Wilson poses with high school students Krysten Lewis of West Monroe, La., Domenique Sexton of Chesapeake, Va., Alani Jordan of Laurel, Md., and Shakayah Watson of Snellville, Ga., after experiencing Tiana’s Bayou Adventure together during Disney Dreamers Academy on Friday at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Wilson is one of several celebrities participating in the Disney mentoring program this weekend. (Mark Ashman, photographer)
“This has been a great experience for me. To be able to connect with Dreamers and to also be able to meet my dream princess [Tiana] has been a truly surreal moment. I’m so thankful that Disney has brought us all together from different paths of life to celebrate the one thing that truly matters and that’s the magic inside and literally dreaming big,” exclaimed Wilson with a winning smile.
She continued, “My message [is] don’t let anyone steal your dream. Don’t let anyone make you feel like it’s not attainable. You have to live the life you want to live and be true to who you are because that’s what really matters the most. There’s going to be bumps in the road but you’re still going to get to the mountaintop if you’re disciplined and you love what you do.”
When asked who from the Disney family she would select to join her on the court in a competitive game of 3-on-3, Wilson immediately responded, Princess Tiana. “Duh!” After thinking a few additional seconds she added, “Oh and Mulan. Give me all the Disney princesses!” she proclaimed with a laugh.
One of the dreamers who bravely rode Tiana’s Bayou Adventure with Wilson, Shakaya Watson of Snellville, Georgia, had this to share, “Meeting A’ja was a beautiful experience. I loved it. I’m so excited that I got to meet one of my mentors, especially being an athlete. Being a Disney Dreamer motivates me even more to progress and accomplish amazing things in my future.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY DREAMERS ACADEMY
Wilson, who rocked long ombre brown to honey blonde braids, also opened up about her life outside of basketball despite a jam-packed program schedule. The stunning 6’4” player, who is prominently featured in this month’s issue of Vogue magazine, happens to be a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. When asked if she intends to wear any pink and green to this year’s MET Gala (She happens to be on the coveted host committee.), Wilson quickly giggled. She then admitted with a playful grin, “I can’t say [what I’m wearing yet]. I have to keep that under wraps. It is going to be hectic for me because it is kind of at the start of our season. But it will definitely be special. It is my first one so I’m really trying to enjoy it.”
Enjoyment was certainly on the agenda all week for the entire DDA crew, as was motivation. Wilson, author of the 2024 best-seller Dear Black Girls didn’t shy away from talking about her learning disability, dyslexia. Her vulnerability undoubtedly helped many of the teens in attendance with special needs feel seen. Wilson encouraged all of the strivers to face their challenges head on rather than avoid them. She exclaimed, “Dreams are limitless!”